Gandipeta Gandimaissamma Temple is a powerful and popular temple near the scenic Osman Sagar Lake (Gandipet) in the outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana.
Dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, this temple holds significant spiritual importance for devotees in the region.
The temple’s main deity is Gandimaissamma, a fierce form of Goddess Mahakali or Shakti. She is worshipped as the guardian deity of the region. Devotees believe that the Goddess protects them from evil forces, black magic, accidents, and natural disasters. The idol of the Goddess is very tall, powerful-looking, and covered in sindoor (vermilion), which is a traditional offering to Kali or Amman-type deities in South India.
The temple architecture is simple yet striking. One of the most unique features of this temple is that the idol of the Goddess is kept in an open space without a roof. According to belief, the Goddess Gandimaissamma prefers the sky above her to remain open, and any attempt to construct a roof has reportedly failed due to divine intervention. A tall gopuram (tower) marks the temple’s entrance, and devotees offer prayers in the open courtyard where the idol stands tall in full glory.
The is believed that the temple is more than 100 years old. Locals say that this temple was built after several unusual incidents occurred in the area, and a divine vision led villagers to install the idol of Gandimaissamma here. Truck and lorry drivers, especially from nearby industrial areas, consider her their guardian deity and always stop to offer prayers before continuing their journey. Many devotees tie ribbons or place coconut and vermilion offerings as part of their vows (called mokku).
Many years ago, the area near Gandipet was full of forests and had very few people living around. Travellers and villagers who passed through the area often faced strange accidents and felt scared. People believed that negative forces were present in the region.
One day, a devoted villager had a dream in which a powerful Goddess appeared. She introduced herself as ‘Gandimaissamma’, a fierce form of Goddess Mahakali. The Goddess told him to place her idol at a specific spot near Gandipet and worship her to protect the people from danger. She also gave one important instruction — “she should remain under the open sky”, and no roof should ever be built over her.
The villager and the local people followed her instructions. They placed her idol at the spot shown in the dream and started praying to her. From that time, the place became peaceful and safe.
Later, some people tried to build a roof above the idol, but every time they tried, something went wrong — materials broke, or accidents happened. So, they believed it was the Goddess’s wish to stay open to the sky.
Over the years, more and more devotees started visiting the temple. Truck drivers and travellers especially believe that Gandimaissamma protects them from accidents. People offer coconuts, bangles, red cloth, and flowers to thank her or to ask for blessings.
Even today, the idol remains ‘under the open sky’, and devotees continue to worship her with great faith.
The major festivals celebrated at Gandipeta Gandimaissamma Temple include *Bonalu, the most important festival held in July–August, where women offer decorated pots of rice (Bonam) to the Goddess along with turmeric, neem leaves, and bangles as a thanksgiving for her protection. “Bathukamma, a floral festival during Navaratri (September–October), is celebrated by women with beautiful flower arrangements, songs, and prayers.” “Amavasya (New Moon Days)” are considered powerful, with special pujas and offerings made to remove evil effects and seek the Goddess’s protection. Devotees also perform ‘Mokku Pujas’ throughout the year, especially on Sundays and festival days, where they offer coconuts, red cloth, bangles, or silver items as a fulfillment of vows and gratitude for answered prayers.
